taking my 5 year old fishing for the first time

[UphillHabit]

I’ve never fished in my life, but I really want to take my little one out for their first fishing experience. I saw a few cheap rods at a local store and thought it might be a good way to start. Any advice on what kind of setup works best for beginners? I really want this to be a fun day for my kid, so I’m all ears for suggestions!

 

[polychoke]

Good for you! Consider a spincasting rod-reel combo in a shorter length, say 3'-5'. I'd stay away from a Mario- or Bluey-themed combo so he/she understands it's a fishing rod and not a toy. Zebco is a reliable brand for this type of outfit. Choosing an easily-accessible location is a good starter, too. A park with a stocked pond or even a commercial trout pond might help that first experience actually produce a fish or two. Have a great time.

 

[_Nyxuh]

If you’re thinking about getting started with fishing, I’d say go for a spincast combo. Something like the Zebco 33 is perfect. Aim for a rod that’s about 5-6ft long. It's short enough for a kid to manage but still gives you enough length to actually cast out there.

While you’re at the store, don’t forget to grab a few other essentials. Look for some small hooks (sizes 6-8 work well), bobbers, split-shot weights, and a small tackle box. You’re probably going to spend about $10-$15 on those extras. Consider picking up some live bait like nightcrawlers or worms from the bait shop. Those will definitely get you more bites than just using lures, especially if you’re just starting out.

Happy fishing!

 

[Eric300]

Maybe take the youngen to the Spring Valley Trout Pond in Dexter. It's a fun place for kids!